Casper Ruud finally defeated Novak Djokovic at the sixth attempt on Saturday, setting up a Monte Carlo Masters title showdown with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Norwegian eighth seed Ruud, who had been swept off court by the world No. 1 in a demoralizing French Open final loss last year, came through 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in his semi-final when Djokovic double-faulted after saving two match points.
An inspired Tsitsipas handed world No. 2 Jannik Sinner just his second loss of the season as the two-time champion Greek booked his place in yesterday’s final, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
Photo: AFP
“I’m super-happy, this is a day I will remember for a really long time,” said Ruud who had never taken a set off Djokovic in their five previous meetings. “I’ve never beaten Novak and I’ve never beaten a world No. 1. I’m still in a little bit of shock.”
Djokovic was competing in his first semi-final in Monte Carlo since he lifted his second title in 2015. He was hoping to reach a 59th Masters final.
“Congratulations to Casper. He played really good, especially in the beginning of the first and third set,” the 36-year-old top seed said. “Of course I’m disappointed now, to lose a match like this ... it was a close one.”
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